An autopsy to determine the cause of death of troubled actor Brad Renfro has been scheduled for Thursday, Los Angeles County coroner officials have said. Meanwhile, Brad's former lawyer has spoken out, revealing that yesterday's news of his death has left her in tears.
Blair Berk, who has represented the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Mel Gibson, said that there's something particularly tragic and disturbing about the talented actor's death at such a young age.
"As critical and prescient as you become in this town, all I did was cry when I heard the news," Berk tells People.com. "I feel in some respects like we all failed."
Renfro - who had just finished filming, 'The Informers' opposite a host of stars including Micky Rourke, Billy Bon Thornton, Winnona Ryder and Kim Basinger, was drinking Monday night, according to roommates who discovered his dead body Tuesday morning and made the 911 call. Coroner's office Lt. Cheryl MacWillie says the autopsy will be done on Thursday, but toxicology results normally take several weeks.
"The fact that he was drinking could be an indication that Renfro, who has battled heroin addiction for several years, took illicit drugs before his death," addiction expert and Celebrity Rehab host Dr. Drew Pinsky said.
"Just the fact that he was a known addict who was drinking, that's all you need to know," Pinsky says. "Renfro was taught in rehab to stay away from booze, and if he was drinking the night before, odds are the coroner will find other substances in his body."
Renfro has had a history of drug abuse and had been convicted of several drug offenses, including attempted heroin possession.
According to TMZ, Renfro had been 'working valiantly' to stay clean.
His recent credits included well-regarded performances in 'Ghost World' and 'Bully' both in 2001.
By Owen Williams, Jan 16 2008 © Copyright 2008 - Showbiz Spy
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